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PATENTED. PBB.'2,'11904. 0. s. MARSHALL. FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, &0.

APPLIUATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 1- N0 MODEL.

DUDDUDUUU nunms FETERS co, PNOYO-LITNO. WASH PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904.

G. S. MARSHALL. FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, &0.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897. HO MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Fig. z

PATENTED FEB. '2, 1904.

C. S. MARSHALL.

FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, 6w.

APPLIGATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897.

10 SHBETS-SHEET 3.

N0 MODEL.

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No. 750,872. PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904.

I O. S. MARSHALL.

FOLDING MACHINE FOB. SHOE UPPERS, 6L0.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. 29, 1897.

N0 MODEL. I v 10 SHEETSSHBBT 4.

PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904;

. O. S. MARSHALL.

FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, &0.

APPLICATION FILED D110. 29, 1897.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

.NO MODEL.

R D T W V W \MTNESSES ma xonms vnzns co. PHOTO-LID). WASMINGTUN. or c.

PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904.

C. S. MARSHALL.

FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, &0.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

N0 MODEL.

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No. 750,872. PATENTED FEB. 2,1904. 0. S. MARSHALL. FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, 8w.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897.

N0 MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET"?- VVITNEsL-fiEE I \/ENTEIR W '%M%@ i 5 warns cu moroumo WASHINGTON. n, c.

No. 750,872. PATENTED FEB; 2, 1904. O. S. MARSHALL. FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPERS, &0.-

APPLICATION FILED DEG.29.1897.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 8- N0 MODEL.

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PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904.

C. S. MARSHALL. FOLDING MACHINE FOR SHOE UPPBRS, 6w.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 29, 1897.

10 SH EE'IS-SHEET 9.

NO MODEL.

INVENTUR '2) W menu. Y

No. 750,872. PATENTED FEB. 2, 1904.

O. S. MARSHALL. FOLDING MAGHINEPOR SHOE UPPERS, 6w.

APPLICATION FILED 1030.29, 1897.

INVEN- U a V 1: mums PEYFRS co. vno' auma, wasmkccrcn. n. c

UNITED STATES v Patented February 2, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES S. MARSHALL, OF BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO H. T. MARSHALL MACHINE COMPANY, OF BROCKTON, MASSA- C HUSETTS.

FOLDING-MACHINE FOR SHOE-UPPERS, 81.0.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 750,872, dated February 2, 1904.

Application filed December 29, 1897x Serial No. 664,354. (No model.)

To (all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES S. MARsnALL. of Brockton, in the county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding-Machines for Shoe-Uppers, &c., of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention has for its object the folding over upon itself of the edge of flexible sheet material, more particularly when the outline or edge of such material is hollow or concave, irregular, or wavinglongitudinally; but in the present instance it is more particularly intended for the purpose of folding over the hollow or concave edge of the top piece of a boot or shoe and securing such fold to the body portion; and the invention consists of a machine for folding over upon itself the hollow, curved, concave, irregular, or other edge of a piece of flexible sheet material, all substantially as hereinafter fully described; and the invention also consists when such folded piece is for the top piece of a boot or shoe of means for marking or indicating upon such folded piece the place or line for the stitches for securing the lining and top piece together, all substantially as hereinafter fully described; and the invention also consists of other parts of the machine in connection therewith constructed and arranged for operation, all substantially hereinafter fully described, reference being had to the accompanying sheets of drawings, in which is illustrated a machine for folding over and securing the edge of a top piece of a boot or shoe constructed and arranged for operation in accordance with this invention.

Figure l is a plan view of two of such machines side by side and operated by one driving-shaft for folding the two tops of a boot or shoe one machine, at the left, for folding the edge of the left side of the top piece of each boot or shoe, and the one at the right for folding the right side of the top piece of each boot or shoe, each machine being a duplicate of the other, some of the parts, however, being in reverse positions in order to accommodate the two machines to the right and left boot top pieces and for the proper connections to the driving-shaft. It is preferable in operating the machine to have two machines, the one for the top piece of the left side and the other for the top piece of the right, as shown in the drawings, as it is much more convenient in operating the machine and saves time. Fig. 2 is a front view of the machine at the left. Fig. 3 is an end view of such machine. Fig. 4 is a vertical crosssection from front to rear on line 4 4, Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a vertical detail cross-section with the parts enlarged and showing in section the parts in their normal position with the top piece of the boot in section in position to be folded in the operation of the machine. Fig. 6 is a similar vertical cross-section to Fig. 5, but showing some of the parts in difierent positions with the top piece of the boot in section in place and showing its edge in the first movement in the operation of folding it in the machine. Fig. 7 is a similar section to Figs. 5 and 6, showing the parts as moved into different positions from that shown in Fig. 6 and the edge ofthe top piece as having been slitted by the knives in the operation of the machine. Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are similar sections to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, but showing the parts in the next series of movements to fold the boot-top piece and the several movements of the edge in folding. Figs. 11, 12, 13, and 14. are detail side views of different parts, showing the manner of operating the machine, as will be hereinafter more particularly referred to. Fig. 14 is a detail side view and section of parts shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 15'is a detail side View of part of the clutch mechanism to engage with the driving-pulley. Fig. 15 is a cross-section on line 15 15, Fig. 15, and other parts in connection therewith shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a side view of the driving-pulley. Fig. 15 is a detail plan view of Fig. 15. Fig. 16 is a detail edge view of the cutting-knives of the machine and connecting parts. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the knives, &c., shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 17 is a detail cross-section of some of the parts to be hereinafter referred to. Fig. 18 is a detail plan of parts below slit or cut by the knives to facilitate the folding of the edge. Figs. 23 to 26, both inclusive, represent in cross-section the edge of the boot-top piece, showing the several steps in the folding of the same.

In the description of the machine, its operation, and the drawings the machine at the left will be particularly described and shown, although what parts are shown of the machine at the right, Fig. 1, that are duplicates of the other machine will have like letters.

In the drawings, A A represent the framework of the machine which supports and carries the various operating and other parts of the machine.

B is the driving-sh aft, turning in bearings C of the frame and having a pulley D secured to it adapted to receive a belt connected to any suitable driving power. On this shaft are two gears E F, one each side of the pulley, for the left and right machines, respectively, each loose on its shaft but adapted to be connected to the pulley to be revolved thereby by a clutch device. This clutch device consists of a disk G, secured to the side of each gear, having a side projection making a shoulder H, which is arranged to engage at certain times with a shoulder J of a depression in the side of the pulley next thereto. (Shown in Figs. 15 and 15 The gears are arranged'to slide back and forth along the shaft to engage with the pulley and to be disengaged therefrom as desired, a spiral spring K encircling the shaft between each gear and the bearing C next thereto serving to hold the gears to their engagement with the pulley, as described, and when so engaged the gear will turn with the pulley. There are two shoulders in each side of the pulley, which insures the engagement of the gears therewith in each half-revolution of the pulley. Each gear E F engages with a separate gear L, secured, respectively, to shafts M, parallel with the driving-shaft B, and turning in bearings N and sides P of the frame. On these shafts M are secured the several operating-cams of the machines, to be hereinafter referred to.

Q is a horizontal cross-bar having projecting-lugs (063i) each end, which freely fit over an upright rod B, one at each end, on which the cross-bar can freely move up and down as guides, the rods being arranged also to move within certain limits up and down in guides S. (See Fig. 3.)

On each rod R at each end of and'above the cross-bar q is a sleeve T, having a vertical open slot (Z in the upper end, through which Fig. 22 is a detail plan view of the tion of the machine as the rods R are moved down the pins 0 pass down the slots (Z in the sleeves T, and the pressure of the spring U is then upon the sleeve and the cross-bar Q for the purpose hereinafter referred to.

W W are pitman-rods, each passing freely up through its respective lug g on the ends of the cross-bar by a spline-joint to prevent turning of the rod, a spiral spring in on each rod above its supporting-lug bearing against a collar A, secured by a set-screw m on the upper end of each rod, the lower ends of the rods being connected in any suitable manner to a treadle for operation, but not shown in the drawings.

Secured to the pitman-rod W by a set-screw 12 is a block B, to which block is pivoted at q a vertical pawl O, having at its upper end a right-angular side projecting arm 9', and secured to the block by a screw t is a flat spring D, which bears by its free end against the outer side of the lower arm E of the pawl C.

Between the lug g of the cross-bar Q and the block B, to which the pawl O is pivoted, is a spiral spring F under compression, which spring acts in connection with the other spring in above the lug to give a yielding connection between the pitman-rod W and the cross-bar Q.

On the periphery of the disk G of the gear E is a lug or radial projection a, which as the gear revolves and this lug comes uppermost will bear against the longitudinally bevel side n of a lever G, pivoted at w to the frame, and riding against the side of the same will move the disk and gear back along the shaft B against its spring K and disconnect it from the shoulder J in the pulley, releasing the gear therefrom, the lug u abutting against a shoulder ;1 on the lever, which stops the gear from movement and accordingly the machine.

The other end of the lever G is pivoted at a to the lower end of an upright bar H, on which pivot the bar is arranged to swing slightly. This bar near its upper end has a side pin 1), which projects into and through a slot cl in a horizontal strip J, pivoted at e to the finger-carriage frame K, and having a flat springf" over the slot secured at g to the strip, its free end being bent in such manner at h (shown in Fig. 1) to hold the pin 6 at the outer end of the slot, and thus the bar H, forward under the pin n, so if the bar H is raised it will abut against the pin '22. and raise the rod W to start the machine. back by hand moves its pin 6 along the slot d until it is disposed in the other bend m of the spring, which then locks the bar H in Pushing the bar H such position, so that the machine cannot be started. This upright bar H has two shoulders w and g, against which the set-screw 1/, which secures the block B to the pitmanrod V, to which pawl C is pivoted, is arranged to abut on the shoulder q as the pitman-rod is pulled down to first start the machine and on the shoulder a to start it a secg ond time during one operation of the machine, as in the course of each operation of the machine it is stopped once for the purpose hereinafter described. As the set-screw n on the rod W as the rod is moved down strikes and bears against the shoulder 9 it presses the bar H down and with it the lever Gr,'

raising its other end from its engagement with the lug u on the gear-disk, so that the gear will be moved along its shaft toward the pulley by its spring and its side lug H engage with the shoulder J in the side of the pulley in the rotation of the pulley, and thus connect the pulley to the gear for the operation of the machine.

\Vhen the bar H is pushed or swung back and locked by the pin 7/ in the bend on of the spring 7", its shoulders w and q are out of the line of movement of the set-screw n of the pitman-rod W, so the rod cannot then act upon the bar H to start the machine.

. L is an arm projecting forward from and arranged to rock on a shaft M, the front end of this arm being disposed in an open slot 1" in a lug N on the under side of a plate P, to

which the movable knives are connected, the plate being rigidly connected to the upright rod R by a pin t passing through the lug. (See Figs. 13 and 16.) This pin 25 is also disposed in an open slot 8 in the end of the arm L, by which the arm is connected to the plate P for operating it.

There are a series of pairs of knives vertically arranged side by side across the machine,

and each movable knife Q, of each pair by the lower end of its blade extends down through a separate transverse slot at in the plate P, having a cross-pin 1 through it below the plate which abuts against the under side of the plate and prevents the upward movement of the knife-blade independent of the plate, and to prevent the downward movement of each knife-blade and to lock the knives to the plate in each knife a longitudinal cenin a horizontal space in this frame is a series of fingers T or arms side by side each independent of the other and consisting of flat bars set up edgewise and arranged to be moved forward and backward by hand and to project beyond the frame S to be adjusted by their front ends f to any desired outline, and when so adjusted they are each secured in place and in such adjustment by set-screws g Ashort distance back from the front end of each finger extends downward a wide portion k or block integral with the finger, leaving an open space m between the block and finger end in on one side, (see Fig. 16",) and in a wide vertical groove n in one side of the block is secured by a screw the stationary knife 24, its cutting edge 1 in a horizontal plane, and between this knife-blade and in the block is a narrow flat groove in whichis disposed the movable knife-blade Q, its cutting edge a in position for it to cooperate with the cutting edge of the stationary knife to cut whatever is placed between them.

The plate P, to which the movable knives Q are secured, is arranged to be moved up and down, carrying with it the knives, which are arranged to slide freely up and down in their respective grooves,-so that they will cooperate with the knives U on the finger-blocks to cut whatever is placed between them, and these movements are made by a cam-groove V in the disk Y, secured to the cam-shaft M, in which runs a roller c pivoted to the end 00 of an arm TV loose on the rock-shaft M,

to which arm i is secured the arm L, which is connected by the slotted end to the knifeplate P. (See Fig. 13.) As the cam-groove V revolves when the portion a of the camgroove reaches the arm W the plate P is moved down, carrying with it the knives Q. At the same time the upright rods R are moved down, and as the roller of the arm W moves down the portion 6 of the cam-groove the upper knives, as well as the rods R, are moved up, each pair of knives having in the downward movement of the upper knives cut whatever was placed between them. In the continued movement of the cam-groove V when its portion (Z reaches the arm WV the upper knives are moved down and up, as before; but in such movements there is no action of the knives, because at this stage of the operation of the cam it is not intended to cut, but more particularly to operate the rods R for the purpose to be described.

To the rear end of the plate R, to which the finger-frame is secured, is pivoted a link (see Fig. 12,) which is pivoted at f to the end of an arm A of a lever B, which at its other end is secured to a short shaft C adapted to rock in arms 9 of a bar D (see Fig. 18,) extending to each side and outside of the sides E of the supporting-frame, to which it is pivoted at [L3 by side arms m such pivot being in the same axial line as the short shaft C The other arm F of this lever B has a roller 02 arranged to run in a cam-groove 7' in the side arranged to be moved up and down in suitf* to a cross-bar Q and connected to this bar of a disk G secured to the cam-shaft, as shown in Figs. 1 and 12 more particularly.

H is a horizontal table or platform on which is laid in the operation of the machine the boot-top piece J to be operated upon, and it is secured to the part 25 of aframe which is able guideways a? in a part a of the frame. (See Figs. 7, 8, and 18.) On each side edge of the frame t is secured an upright bar L which in the present instance also serves as its guide-rib to slide in the groove :0 at the side in the part 2: of the frame. On the upper end of each bar is a hook M which when the table-frame is moved up engages with the angular arm of the spring-pawl C on each side, being held to such engagement by its spring 1) to lock and hold the cross-bar and platform-table together until operated upon to release them from such engagement.

N is a rod connected to the upper lug a. of the cross-bar Q by two screw-nuts on, one, a), above and the other, 20', below the lug, by which the rod can be adjusted as to its attachment to the crossbar,.as will be explained, and to its length, the lower end of the rod being pivoted at a' to an arm P secured to a shaft Q outside of the side frame E adapted to rock in the same. Another arm R secured to the shaft Qf within the frame, projects backward and is arranged to bear by its roller 6 upon the edge (2 of a cam S secured to the camshaft M. (See Fig. 11.)

As shown in Fig. 11, the arm R is away from the cam; but it is moved'into position to bear upon the cam at the proper time in the operation of the machine.

At the rear of the table or platform on its under side to be close thereto is a plate T, which is secured by an angular portion 6* at and extending forward are two guide-rods V which are arranged to move forward and backward in the parts of the frame, by which the plate T can be moved forward and backward within certain limits, the rods havin g screw-nuts g on their ends, which limit the backward movement of the plate. The rear edge if of this plate is of the same outline asthe edge of theboot-top piece to be folded, and it is hereinafter called the folding or creasing plate. Projecting from the guiderod V of this creasing-plate'is a pin m, which projects into an open slot 1% in one end of an arm A of a lever pivoted at q to the part t3 of the platform-frame, its other or shorter arm B being pivoted at t to one end of a pitmanrod C", connected by its other end to an arm D of the bar D so that as the bar is swung on its pivot or journal it will through the pitman-rod C and arms A and B of lever connection with the creasing plate frame Q cause the creasing-plate to be correspondingly moved backward and forward.

The carriage or frame R,to which the fingers are secured and on which they are arranged to move, as described, has a chamber E along its length below the fingers, into which steam enters from a pipe F to heat the frame and through it the fingers connected thereto.

A pipe G is secured by one end to the side,

of the chamber-frame at it, its other end passing into a vertical pipe H through a stuflingbox J secured to the side of the pipe H which pipe is connected to a horizontal pipe K which leads to the exhaust.

The pipe F entering the steam-chamber E in the finger-frame is of smaller diameter than the pipe G and extends freely through it and to the pipe L which is connected by a horizontal pipe 1 3 to any suitable steamsup ply pipe. A hole a in the chamber-wall opens into the pipe Gr for exhaust.

The object of making the steam-pipe connection with the steam-chamber of the finger carriage-frame in this manner is to allow the forward-and-backward movements of the finger carriage-frame to be made without interfering with the steam-pipe connection.

As the carriage-frame moves the pipe Gr is carried with it, moving in the stufling-box accordingly, and being of a suitable length it does not disconnect therefrom, and the pipe F being of a length to extend into the steamchamber quite a distance across the same, allows of movement of the frame without breaking its connections therewith.

P is a curved or former bar, its rear side 1/) being curved or on the outline corresponding to the edge 0* of the top piece to be folded, (see Fig. 22,) and this curved bar is secured to the cross-bar Q in front of the fingers by screws passing through lugs or arms (Z of the former-bar P and screwing into the crossbar, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 more particularly, so that in setting the fingers to have their front ends f correspond to the outline of the edge 0- of the top piece J 2 to be folded each one is pressed by its end f against the rearor inner side w* of the former-bar and all then secured in such position by their set screws g Q, IS a. wire bent at right angles, one arm d being inserted in a hole or socket e in the end of the finger-block b below the finger end at theright of the movable knife-blade Q, its other arm, f which is vertical, promovement by a set-screw in the finger screwing down onto the arm d.

It is necessary in part of the operation to lock or secure the frame carrying the creasing-plate to prevent its forward movement,

This wire and this is done by a right-angular bar R, pivoted at m to the part of the frame If, its horizontal arm n" having a shoulder 1-" on its under side and laying over the pin m, connecting the cross-arm V and the lever-arm A", so that if the frame is moved forward its pin in? will abut against the arm-shoulder r and be prevented from further movement.

Screwed to the knife-carrying frame at fis a stip S projecting downward in line with the angular bar R so that a pin 24, pivoted to the vertical arm 4)" of the angular bar, will abut and lay against the strip S, being held thereto by a spring w", secured to the frame at (I? (see Fig. 2) and bearing by its free end against the vertical arm.

The pin 11 is freely pivoted to the angular bar R to allow proper freedom in its movements. Moving the knife-carrying frame forward from its position shown in Fig. 14, the strip S presses against the pin a of the arm 1 of angular bar and moves the angular bar so that its other arm, of, will be raised and thus released from its engagement with the creasing-plate frame, allowing such frame to be moved forward at the proper time, which is immediately.

Secured to the rod R by a set-screw 1 is an arm T in position for it to abut against the lower arm E of the spring-pawl C when the rod is moved down and move the spring-pawl to disengage from the hook M of the platform-frame to let the platform-frame fall down to its normal position.

It is desirous to mark on the top piece to be folded a line along which to sew or stitch the lining to the top piece, and for such purpose a marker is applied to this machine. This marker consists of a strip T of flexible metal, and for most of its lengthit is rigidly secured to the front side of the former-bar P by the block (1, the other portion a of its length be- 1 ing left free to be bent or curved, as desired. The part of the top piece to which this part is applied being of varying sizes, it is necessary to vary the curve or bend of the strip at such place, the strip being bent to suit the curve of the size required and its lower edge (Z is adapted to engage with a series of notches 7; in the edge of an arm U secured to the former-bar at 7), which arm is rigidly bent in a curved line substantially in an arc of a circle, so that any desired curve can be given to the portion a within certain limits and then secured in such position. On this strip T are a series of vertical pins V, having sharp points, which pins are adapted to move down and up in two lugs e, secured to the side of the strip, the lugs of each pin V being separate from and independent of the other to not interfere with the flexibility of the strip, as shown in Fig. 20 more particularly, each pin having a spiral spring f surrounding it between its two supporting-lugs e, the spring bearing on the upper lug and against aflange g secured to the lower part of the pin, its tension serving to keep the pin down, the flange preventing too far downward movement of the pin. \Vhen in place over the top piece set to be folded and the strip T bent to give the proper curve to it and secured, as described, when the cross-bar is drawn down the formerbar P goes with it, and as the spring-pins V project a short distance below the former-bar P they will bear upon the top piece, and as the former-bar is pressed close down upon the top piece the spring-pins are pressed up against their springs, the springs then acting to force the pin-points into the top piece, making dents or impressions in the surface of the top piece in a line which will indicate where to secure the top piece and lining together.

All parts of the machine being in their normal position, as shown in Figs 1, 2, 3, and 4:, the former-bar having had its rear side shaped longitudinally to correspond to the outline of the edge of the boot top piece to be folded, the fingers having been pressed by their front ends against the rear side of the former-bar, adjusted thereto, and secured in such adjustment, the gage-Wires in the front ends of the finger-bars having been adjusted in relation to their distance from the ends of the fingerbars for the desired width of fold, the machine is in order for operation and is operated substantially as follows: The pulley being in operation, steam is let into the finger-frame chamber to heat the same, and when the parts are sufliciently heated the boot top piece to be folded is laid upon the platform-table and its curved edge placed against the finger wire gages in position for the desired width of the fold and for the proper operation thereon by the machine. The foot-treadle (not shown) is then pressed down a short distance, which by its connecting pitman-rods W pulls down the cross-bar Q, and presses it on the boot top piece where it is'held firmly on the platform-table by means of the spring-pawl O engaging with the hooks M of platform-table H I With the continued downward movement of the treadle as the pitman-rods move down still farther the set-screw n on the pitman-rod W strikes against the shoulder q of the upright bar H and moves it down, with the lever G, to which it is connected, which releases the loose gear E on the shaft B, so it will move endwise from the pressure of its spring K and connect with the shoulder J on the pulley D, which gear then turns with the pulley and its shaft and communicates motion to the other gear L on the shaft M, carrying the cams, which then all revolve. The cam V on shaft M (see Fig. 13) then operates the arms W L, which draw down the plate P and its knives connected thereto, and as the edge 7" of the top piece J is between the cutting edges of the knives short slits g are then cut in the edge ofthe top piece, as shown in Fig. 22, the knives being shown in their lower position in Fig. 7. The arm R having in the pulling down of the pitman-rods V through its connection with the rod R been moved into position for its operating end 6 to bear upon the edge of the cam S the cam then acts through the arms R and P to move the platform-table upward, carrying the top piece with it, the edge of which projects backward a sufficient distance to be beyond the edge If of the folding I or creasing plate T, such edge being then also under the front end of the fingers, and in the upward movement of the top platform-table and creasing-plate the edge of the top piece Will bear against the under side of the fingers and be then turned down as the creasing-plate passes up by the finger ends at right angles into the position shown in Fig. 24, the platform-table and cross-bar being still locked together by the pawl Cengaging with the hook M as described and as shown in Figs. 6, '7, 8, and 9. The platform then being above the horizontal plane of the fingers, the finger-frame is then moved forward by the action of the cam 1' upon the lever B connected to the fingerframe, Fig. 12, and as the fingers so move forward they move the downwardly-projecting edge of the top piece under the foldingplate and into the position shown in Fig. 25. The cam A (see Figs. 1 and 4,) which is like the cam r in Fig. 12, then acts (see Fig. 4) through the bar D pitman-rod C and leverarms A B to move the creasing or folding plate T to which it is connected, (see Figs. 11 and 14,) on its guide-rods forward and from between the body of the top piece and its folded over portion, leaving it free of the creasing-plate. The cam V then acts by its portion 7/" on the lever-arm L lowering its outer end,which pulls down the rod R, and as pin 0 of rod R passes down the slot (Z in the sleeve T the pressure of the spring U is transferred from the pin to the cross-barQthrough the sleeve or boss which presses the cross-bar down upon the folded portion of the top piece between it and the fingers with sufficient pressure, with the fingers being heated to closely unite the fold upon the body of the top piece, as shown in Fig. 26. The downward movement of the rod R carries with it the arm T, which, striking against the lower arm Eof the opposite pawl C, releases it from its engagement with the hook M of the platformtable leaving it free to drop by its weight into its normal position. At this time the gear-disk G on the shaft B will have revolved sufiiciently for its shoulder at to abut against the end or shoulder y of the lever G, stopping the machine, which leaves the fold of the top piece under pressure, as described, to insure the adhesion of the fold, sufficient time having elapsed for this purpose, which in practical operation might be a few seconds. The treadle is again pressed down, which releases the work and returns all parts to their normal position, ready for operation again substantially as follows; As the treadle is being pressed down the pin n on the pitman-1od WV strikes against the shoulder '21., and, pushing down the bar H, raises the lever Gr, connected thereto, from its engagement with the lug a on the gear-disk, releasing the gear, so that the pulley will act upon and revolve it in the last or releasing part of the operation of the machine. The cam V then acts upon the knifeplate and the rods R to raise them to their normal position.- The cam S acts on the lever-arms R to raise the cross-bar Q from its pressure upon the fold, so the top piece can then be easily removed. The cam 7' acts through its lever B to draw the finger-frame back to its normal position. "hen the cam A acts through the bar D Fig. 4:, to move back the creasing-plate, when all parts are in their normal positions, ready to operate, as before, upon another top piece. A flat spring WV is secured by one end to the side of the lower lug Z) of the cross-bar, its other end being adjustably secured to the upper lug a of the cross-bar by a screw m, the intermediate part of the spring being bent or curved, as at 12, to bear upon the rod R, creating suflicient friction thereon to hold the crossbar in any position the machine leaves it. A piece of leather is secured to the spring to bear upon the rod to create more friction and to prevent the spring from injuring the rod. The cam S has a depression '2' in its edge which when the cross-bar is pressing the fold will be in posi- -tion for lever-arm R connected to the crossbar, to be in such depression, which allows of a certain amount of freedom of movement to the cross-bar Q, so that the whole pressure of the spring will act upon the bar to press the fold firmly.

In some cases where many pieces of sheet material are to be folded having the same curve, &c., for the edge in lieu of using a series of fingers a single plate can be used of the full width necessary, having its front edge correspond to the edge of the piece to be folded, although for the purposes for which the machine is particularly intended the fingers are preferable.

In the'use of the machine the former-bar P, as well as the creasing-plate T are first prepared by having the rear side of the former-bar and creasing-plates edge shaped to suit the edge of the piece to be folded. The various cams are all placed upon the cam-shaft in order for their work in the operation of the machine at the proper time. A sheet of lead 92. or any suitable soft metal is placed over the fingers on which the set-screws hear when screwed down to hold the fingers in their adjustment. The several rods and connections to the cam and working parts are duplicated 0n the other side of the machine to make the parts move square and true in their work.

' to continue and complete the operation, so

The heating of the finger-frame and the fingers causes the folded portion to adhere stronger to the body portion.

In starting the machine the second time in each operation after the machine has stopped and the cross-bar is compressing the fold of the top piece the rod IV acts. to release the lever G from the gear E for the pulley to operate the machine, as previously stated. When the finger-frame moves forward, it carries with it the strip J which pushes the bar H under the set-screw n of the rod W for the set-screw to abut against its shoulder or end 1/, as the rod W is pulled down to start the machine.

hen the machine is stopped during the operation for the cross-bar to hold the toppiece fold under compression a short time, the springs are compressed too much for the setscrew 11 of the rod IV to then act upon its shoulder g to start the machine a second time the bar IV is provided with the other shoulder 71., it being up higher on the bar for the setscrew to act upon the bar to release the lever from the gear for it to be acted upon by the pulley.

As the top pieces vary in thickness it is necessary that the fingers which fold and compress the edge of the top piece shall be free to move under the creasing-plate to fold the material, and this is accomplished by raising or lowering the cross-bar Q accordingly, which is done by adjusting the rods l to which the cross-bar is connected, as to their length by the screw-nuts of 10 so that the creasing-plate, which is then connected to the cross-bar and the platform by the hooks M will be at the proper height for such folding operation.

The knife-table and the plate carrying the finger-frame each have transverse slots therethrough, one for each knife-blade, and they are long enough to permit the lateral movement of the knife-blades in the operation of the machine.

The machine at the right in Fig. 1 is the same machine as has been described for the one at the left and is operated in the same manner, the only difl erence being that some of the parts are reversed in order to fold the right side of the top piece of the boot in lieu of the left side.

The side of the pulley shown in Fig. 15 is the side that is next to the gear-disk G, (shown in Fig. 15;) it showing in such side the depressions and shoulders J, adapted to engage with the shoulder H on the gear-disk.

As sometimes the top piece need not be slit or cut when folding, the cutting mechanism can be dispensed with, especially when the edge is in a straight line or is slightly curved, as is obvious. However, when the edge is much curved it is preferable to slit or cut it substantially as described, as it enables the fold to be made smoother and better. Also the heating of the pressing-frame can be dispensed with, although in most cases it is preferable to heat the pressing mechanism, as it makes the fold adhere much better. Also the stitchthe bar H, connected to lever Gr, still farther forward, so that the set-screw 11 will be over the shoulder 72,.

The bar H and lever G are only on the right side of the machine at the left, while for the machine at the right such parts are at its left side, all as shown more particularly in Fig. 1.

The bottom of the cross-bar Q is beveled at the front along its under side, as at '1', as shown in Figs. 5 and 8 more particularly, to more properlylay over the creasing-plate and platform-table in pressing and holding the work. The pivot t of the lever-arm B is disposed in a slot a in the rod 0 (see Fig. 4,) which allows of a slight movement to the cam .64 before the rod acts upon the lever-arms B and A The pin m*, with which the arm A engages, is attached to a block 6 secured to the crossrod V and the pin extends through the block in position for the catch 06' to engage with its outer end, having a headd which insures the catch 117 being held on the pin. (See Fig. 18 more particularly).

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, a platform or table for receiving the material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of the fold, a creasing-plate connected with said platform or table and over which the material is adapted to be folded, means for suitably cutting the material, means for vertically moving said table or platform and said plate for folding the material against the edge of the latter, means for folding the material over the edge of and back upon said plate, and means for withdrawing said plate from between the folded portion of said material.

2. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, a platform or table for receiving the material, gages against which the edge of the material is placed to determine the Width of the fold, a creasing-plate connected with said platform or table and over which the material is adapted to be folded, means for cutting the portion of the material to be folded, means for vertically moving said platform or table and said plate for folding the material against the edge of the latter, means for folding the material over the edge of and back upon said plate, means for withdrawing said plate from between the folded portion of the material, and means for pressing the folded portion of the material together when the plate is withdrawn.

3. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material, mechanism for folding the same, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of fold, a cross-bar adapted to slide up and down and to press upon the folds, suitable guideways for said cross-bar, side rods connected to the ends of said cross-bar, and a treadle connected to the rods for operation of the cross-bar.

4. In amachine for folding the edge of sheet material, a platform or table to receive the material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of the fold, a creasing-plate for the material connected with said platform, a vertically-moving plate, a knife connected thereto, operating means for said verticallyoperating plate, means for folding the material over the edge of and back upon said creasing-plate, a knife carried by said means and operating in conjunction with the knife of the vertical operating-plate for cutting the material before being folded, operating means for said table or platform and plate, and operating means for said folding means.

5. In amachine for folding the edge of sheet material, a platform or table to receive the material, a creasing-plate for the material connected with said platform or table, a vertically-operating plate, guides therefor, a lever connected with said plate, a cam connected with said lever, a knife connected to said vertically-operating plate and operated thereby, means for folding the material over the edge of and back upon said creasing-plate, a knife carried by said means and operating in connection with the knife of the vertically-operating plate for cutting the materialprior to the folding thereof, operating means for said table and plate, and operating means for said folding means.

6. In amachine for folding the edge of sheet material, a platform or table to receive the material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of the fold, means connected with said platform or table for creasing the material, means for operating said platform or table and said creasing means, a vertically-moving cutting means, a stationary cutting means, means for folding the material over the edge of and back upon said creasing means and for supporting said stationary cutting means, and operating means for said folding means.

7. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a plate adapted to move up and down said plate having a slot therein, means for moving said plate, a knifeblade extending through the slot in said plate, a pin in the lower end of the knifeblade under the plate, a portion of said knife-blade projecting therefrom and disposed over the upper side of said plate, and a knife-blade in a side, arranged to be moved back and. forth in said frame, a guideway for said fingers or arms, means for adjusting their front ends in a line, means for securing them in their adjustment, and means connected. to said plate for operation thereof.

9. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a carriage or plate arranged to move forward and backward on a suitable support, a frame on said plate, a series of fingers side by side arranged to be moved back and forth in said frame, means for adjusting their front ends to a line, means for securing them in their adjustment, a pivoted lever connected to the plate, a cam on a rotating shaft for operating the lever and means for operating said shaft.

10. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a finger to be moved backward and forward on a suitable support, a knife-blade secured to said finger, a knifeblade adapted to move up and down in said finger, a guideway for said finger, and means for operating said movable knife-blade.

11. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a finger arranged to be moved forward and backward on a suitable support, a knife-blade secured to said finger, a knife-blade adapted to move up and down in said finger, a guideway for said lastmentioned knife, a plate arranged to be moved said movable knife connected to said plate for operation thereof.

12. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a plate or table adapted to move up and down in suitable guideways, on which table is laid the sheet material to be folded, a cross-bar connected by vertical rods to a treadle for operation thereof, a pivoted spring-pawl secured to said cross-bar adapted to engage with said platform-table frame when moved down therefor.

13. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material to be folded, a creasing-plate located under said table, a support for said creasingplate, guide rods connected to said support arranged to slide back and forth in the supporting-frame of the table and means connected to the creasing-plate frame for operation thereof.

14. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material to be folded, a creasing-plate located under said table, a support for said creasing-plate, guide-rods connected to said support arranged to slide back and forth in the supporting-frame of the table, a cam on a rotating shaft, a lever connected and operated by said cam, and connected to one arm of another lever, the other arm of said latter lever connected to the creasing-plate frame.

15. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a table on which to lay the sheet material to be folded, a creasingplate located under said table, a support for the creasing-plate, guide-rods connected to said support arranged to slide back and forth in the table-supporting frame, means for operating said creasing-plate frame and a locking device connected to said platfornrframe and arranged to engage with said creasingplate.

16. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a plate or carriage arranged to move back and forth, a frame carrying a series of lingers arranged side by side in said frame and arranged to be moved forward and backward in said frame, said frame having a chamber therein, and steam-pipes connected to said frame and communicating with said chamber, said pipes being arranged so as to make a yielding joint connection for the purpose specified.

17. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a table on which to lay the sheet material to be folded, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of the fold, a creasingplate over which the sheet material is folded, below and projecting beyond the table, mechanism for folding said edge over the edge and alongside of the creasing-plate, means for withdrawing said creasing-plate from between the fold, mechanism for pressing the folded portion together and means for heating said pressing mechanism.

18. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a cross-bar adapted to move up and down in suitable guideways, a rod connected to said bar for operation thereof, a shoulder on said rod, a vertical bar, two shoulders on said bar for operation thereof alternately by the rod-shoulder, a lever pivoted by one arm to said vertical bar, a gear loose on a rotating shaft arranged to engage and disengage with a pulley on said shaft and the other arm of the lever arranged to engage with said gear.

19. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of fold, knives to slit or cut the edge transversely at intervals, a creasing-plate over which the sheet material is folded and projecting beyond the platform or table, mechanism for pressing upon said edge and folding it over the edge of and back upon the creasingplate, means for withdrawing the creasingplate, means substantially as described for pressing the folded portion together and means for suitably heating said mechanism.

20. In amachine for folding the edge of sheet material in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of fold, a device for marking the sheet material in a desired outline, a creasing-plate over which the sheet material is folded and projecting beyond the table-plate,mechanism for pressing upon said edge and folding it over the edge of and back upon the creasing-plate, means for withdrawing the creasingplate from between the fold, and means for pressing the folded portion together.

21. In a machine for folding the edge of sheet material, in combination, a platform or table on which to lay the sheet material, gages against which the edge of the sheet is placed to determine the width of fold, spring-pins arranged in order to mark the sheet material, a creasing-plate over which the sheet material is folded and projecting beyond the table-plate, mechanism for folding said edge over the edge of and back upon the creasing-plate, means for withdrawing the creasing-plate from between the fold, and means for pressing the folded portion together.

22. In combination, a support, a flexible strip or bar secured to said support, one end left free to be curved at any desired curve and secured in such curve, and spring-pins secured to said strip and arranged to extend below or beyond said strip.

23. In combination, a support, astrip or bar secured to said support, one end being flexible and left free to be curved at any desired curve and secured in such curve, spring-pins secured to said strip and arranged to extend below and beyond said strip.

24. In combination, a support, a flexible strip or bar secured to said support, one end being left free to be curved at any desired curve and secured in such curve, pairs of lugs secured at intervals along said strip, pins in each pair of lugs, projecting below and beyond the strip a shoulder on each pin, between its supporting-lugs and a spring on each pin bearing on its shoulder and against one of the lugs.

25. In a machine for folding and pressing sheet material, in combination, a creasing-plate over which the material is folded, a suitable support having a guideway therein, a series of fingers or arms for folding the material over the creasing-plate, movable backward and forward in the guideway of said support, their front ends being arranged to conform to the curve or outline of the edge of said creasingplate, and arranged to be clamped or held in place together to act as a solid 'bar or as one piece, means for heating said fingers or arms, my hand in the presence of two subscribing one surface 0t WlllCll fingers or arms presses Witnesses. the folded margin of the material back upon itself and transmits the heat to the folded ma- LHARLILS MARSHALL terial, thus more firmly fixing and retaining Vitnesses: the shape of the folded edge. ALBERT T. MARSHALL,

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set EbWIN XV. BROWN. 

